But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. Acts 9:40-42

While Peter was the human instrument through whom the Lord healed Tabitha, note that Luke recorded (v.42) that when news of this healing “became known throughout all Joppa,” “many believed on the Lord.”

God works through people, but the work, and the results, are the Lord’s. And therefore, the Lord is the One who must receive all glory. Those who believe as a result of any form of ministry done by His servants, must believe in the Lord—not in His servants.

When a surgeon performs surgery using a scalpel, it is the surgeon, not the scalpel, who is thanked.

It is not likely that any of us will be used by the Lord to raise the physically dead to life. But hopefully we are all being used by God in various ways to serve others. When God is pleased to work through us, let us be conscious of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” May we be used by the Lord so that He receives the thanks and praise.

And when the Lord uses someone in our lives, though it is appropriate to thank that person, let us give greater thanks and praise to the Lord.